Going green is the only way at Ladera Resort

Green Globe newly certified member Ladera Resort in St. Lucia, is respectful of its unique natural location and strives to minimize environmental impacts on the surrounding pristine tropical eco-systems.

Ladera Resort continues to plant its own fruit trees and herbs that provide fresh ingredients for its food and beverage outlets. All other fruits and vegetables are purchased from local farmers and vendors and the resort prefers not to import fresh produce from other countries. Furthermore, all restaurant tables and guest rooms are decorated with flowers grown onsite. In the past, flowers were bought from outside vendors but gardeners, who hail from the region, have been busy at work and now the gardens and landscapes are blooming with beautiful bright colors that can be displayed indoors as well.

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“By doing so the resort greatly lowers its carbon footprint and it also assists with the development of nearby towns through creating a better quality of life for our neighbors,” said Mr Gandara, General Manager at the resort.

In observance of Earth Day earlier this year, Ladera Resort and its employees participated in some remarkable activities. The resort’s Green Team worked on a planting event in collaboration with Les Etangs Combined School, a neighboring school in the community. Various fruit trees were planted at the school with the intention that the fruits, when harvested, will be used in the school’s cafeteria food program.

“Through these kinds of initiatives, children learn at an early age the importance of the environment and how people depend on it to survive,” added Mr Gandara.

The resort’s comprehensive sustainability management plan includes the use of environmentally friendly food packaging and reusable drink bottles with the aim to phase out single use plastic items at the property.

Mr Gandara explained, “Going Green is the only way for us, all of our To Go containers have been replaced with ecofriendly options such as food container lids made of sustainable wood and 100 % biodegradable containers among others.”

All maintenance, housekeeping and security staff members are also provided with a Ladera logo branded thermos flasks that can be refilled with either cold or warm water, further eliminating the need for plastic containers.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit greenglobe.com.